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How did I get here? It feels like I just woke up from a dream like Rip Van Winkle, and ended up in midlife. I don’t necessarily feel any older, maybe a few aches and pains from abusing my body years ago (sports not drugs). My interests are relatively the same, maybe more diverse now, because I have more disposable income than in my twenties.

Now though, I have some added benefits. I’m happy, I have more experience, I married a wonderful man, and I can say I might have some wisdom. Wisdom I’d like to share with you.

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff as described in Richard Carlson’s book “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, and it’s all small stuff.” Really. Let the small stuff roll off your back. Don’t let it nag your ego, or rather your ego nag you about those little things that you’ll forget about by next week.

2. Exercise in my opinion is a form of medication. When you exercise you release endorphins which can increase health benefits. I also see my patients who exercise get out of the hospital faster. That’s a huge plus.

3. Travel when you can. Yes I promote this because I’m a passionate traveler. What does this mean to me? It means opening yourself to something new which stimulates the brain, it opens your eyes to new ideas (some you may like, some not), and it can bring the explorer out in you. The child in you that climbs trees, walks along walls, looks under rocks. With that said, it allows you to appreciate what you have at home and include any new-found wonders you liked and appreciated.

I believe these are all good tips because I used to obsess and worry (mostly about boys and men… then how many of us women haven’t?). My favorite is the travel, and I soak up everything I see and hear. It shows me that there is more than one way to see a situation, a perspective, a problem. All those perspectives may all be right, just different. Bringing these perspectives home to share opens new worlds for others.

How did you get where you are now? Where do you want to go? Who do you want to be?